HUMBOLDT CAN: Take action on hunger this month

September is Hunger Action Month, a time for food banks across the country to educate their communities about local hunger issues and offer opportunities for people to participate in activities that address hunger relief.

Food for People, the food bank for Humboldt County, also uses this as a time to highlight the importance of providing access to healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, for our food bank community.

Poverty, poor diet and chronic disease are all closely linked. According to U.S. census data, 19 percent of Humboldt County residents live below the federal poverty level, and the child poverty rate is 24 percent. Some of the health problems typically associated with inadequate access to good nutrition include diabetes, heart disease, cancer and obesity.

Unfortunately, food is often the only "negotiable" item in a very tight budget, which limits choices to the cheaper, highly processed and high-carbohydrate-content foods that contribute to poor health.

California Food Policy Advocates estimates that more than 58 percent of Humboldt County adults are overweight or obese, and nearly 25 percent of children are overweight for their age. According to the California Diabetes Program, more than 1 in 10 adults in California has diabetes. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for low-income individuals, especially in such a rural county, to access healthy food. The California Center for Rural Policy identified cost, transportation and availability of healthy foods in remote rural communities as the biggest obstacles to food access among low-income households in Humboldt County.

In order to combat hunger and its health effects, Food for People has joined up with more than 200 other food banks across the nation for Hunger Action Month. Here in our community, we have opportunities to participate and make a change. There are many ways to get involved in providing healthy foods for our food bank.

Do you enjoy gardening? If so, share the benefits of local produce with those in need by participating in "Plant a Row for the Hungry." If your garden or fruit tree is producing large amounts of food and you are not able to eat everything, consider donating it to Food for People. We accept all varieties of fruits and vegetables. Our Gleaning Program staff and volunteers are more than willing to help with the harvest. Donations can also be dropped off at the food bank, 307 W. 14th St. in Eureka.

Food drives are always a great way to help out and can be organized by individuals, churches, businesses or service clubs spanning all age groups. In September, anyone can join in the Suddenlink Food Connection. All month, Suddenlink will be accepting canned food donations at its office in Eureka, and through the technicians who install cable at residences. Donors will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 credit on their cable bill.

Food for People will also be accepting nonperishable food items at the Blues by the Bay festival this weekend and donors will be entered into a raffle to win some great prizes. Several Eureka City Schools will also be holding food drives in September as part of the Suddenlink Food Challenge. And look for Food for People's table at the Arcata farmers market on Sept. 10, when we will be holding a fresh food drive, encouraging folks to buy a little extra to donate to the food bank.

You might also consider donating your time by volunteering at Food for People or one of the 15 other food pantries across Humboldt County. Call us at 445-3166 for more information, and help us provide nutritious food to our friends and neighbors in need during this Hunger Action Month.